Cell Phones

• According to the Yankee Group cell phone usage surpassed traditional landline usage in the US for the first time in 2002.
• Though its strength originated in Europe, the Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM network grew by 57% from June 2002 to June 2003.
• Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless and T-mobile USA intend to convert all their subscribers to GSM based systems.
• In late 2004 some new phones began implementing a new cellular triangulation technology which works in much the same way as Global Positioning by determining location based on proximity to cellular towers.
• In early 2005, Apple announced a partnership with Motorola to design the first iTunes enabled phone, and Nokia unveiled upcoming devices which can take the place of MP3 players or other portable data storage with new phones capable of storing up to 4GB of data internally.
• Also in 2005, Microsoft announced the release of its new mobile operating system Windows Mobile 5.0 which will integrate the features and functionality of Microsoft SmartPhones and Microsoft PocketPCs into one standard interface, increasing the functionality and feature set of both market segments. See our articles "Convergent Devices: HP hw6700, Treo 650, MS Peabody" and "Windows Mobile 5.0" for more information.

     

                        

Technology

Modern digital cellular phones are now also PDA devices that offer synchronization with Outlook, calendar programs, and other PC applications. Better and larger memory options allow for the possibility of mobile data storage and file transfer (such as the ability to store a PowerPoint presentation on your phone making it a functional data storage drive). According to industry predictions, in the future, wireless phones will utilize standard Internet Protocol (IP) as opposed to the current Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) to achieve data speeds of up to 384 Kbps.

Hardware

Both Nokia and Motorola saw market share gains according to research compiled by Gartner for the second quarter. Motorola's growth again outpaced its closest competitor, Samsung.

Here is the latest data:       

Key Cell Phone Features

With a plethora of cell phone manufacturers creating hundreds of phone models, the task of strategically narrowing the field could consume more minutes than your monthly allotted airtime. Listed here are some relevant features which provide points of comparison between different phones.

Network- The carrier network a phone operates on is a very important feature as it determines your options for service providers. CDMA networks like Verizon previously had the largest footprint in America, but that has changed with the merger of AT&T and Cingular who along with T-mobile and other smaller GSM carriers now represent the dominant network technology both in the US and oversees. Though specific areas may differ in terms of coverage, in general GSM is the way to go, especially if you travel abroad with any regularity. And by all means, avoid Sprint, the customer service and coverage are deplorable. If you absolutely have to have CDMA, go with Verizon.

Mode - If the ability to roam into rural areas with analog coverage only is important to you, then dual-mode phones should be at the top of your list. If your carrier has the most all-encompassing network in the world, but the coverage is geographically divided between two popular bandwidths (900 and 1900MHz for instance) then a dual or even tri-band phone that adapts to all your network’s technology and frequencies sounds like a good choice.

Battery – New phones use a Lithium-ion/Lithium polymer battery to get about 5 to 15 hours of talk time.

Display – Displays come in color or monochrome and range in size and clarity. Because this technology changes so rapidly, we recommend that you view several displays side-by-side to determine which display you like best.

Camera – Obviously the newest trick for cellular phones is the inclusion of digital still and even video cameras. While the resolution in these devices cannot take the place of your regular digital camera, they can be quite useful for candids, insurance purposes, or whenever you need to get that fleeting shot.

Additional Features to consider:

External screen/caller ID: On flip phones, this lets you see who's calling before you open the cover.

Phone book and voice dialing: Consider how many contacts you can store. Also, voice dialing lets you make calls without using the keypad, which is particularly handy when you're on a headset.

Microbrowser: This lets you surf the wireless Web. If your phone features a WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browser, it's optimized to view sites configured to display on small, mobile devices. Not all sites, however, are made for WAP browsing. Also, you can use some Internet-ready phones as a fax modem, but you'll need to purchase the proper data cables to take advantage of this feature.

Text messaging, instant messaging, and e-mail: They allow quick communication without making a phone call. Be sure to find out how many messages you are allowed to send and receive per month. If you're a heavy e-mail user, make sure your phone supports this feature and consider adding a data plan to your basic service.

Camera, video recorder, and picture messaging: Use them for taking pictures, shooting brief video clips, and sharing them with others. Most are low-grade VGA models, but some camera phone now have resolutions of more than a megapixel. Some carriers offer better online tools than others, and multimedia plans vary. Also, a camera phone is no substitute for a real camera (yet).

Speakerphone/conference calling: A speakerphone is useful for multitasking, such as working on a computer while you're holding a conversation. Consider getting a unit with a full-duplex speakerphone, which allows both parties to speak at the same time. Business travelers who need to set up impromptu meetings will want to look at a phone that supports conference calling.

Push to talk: A walkie-talkie-like service that lets you immediately connect with individuals or call groups, which is especially useful for business users who need instant contact with their colleagues. Best of all, you don't need a cell signal to use them. Not all carriers offer this feature, however.

Bluetooth and infrared: Both features let you wirelessly connect with external devices. A phone with an infrared port allows information to be exchange wirelessly with PDAs or PCs. In addition, you can use Bluetooth to connect to a wireless headset. Verizon and Sprint, however, actually limit Bluetooth use on their phones.

Multimedia options: Some features to look for include MP3 support, FM radio, and polyphonic ring tones. Also, more phones are now supporting streaming video and videoconferencing. There will be an extra fee, of course, and you'll to have service in your area.

Accessories and add-ons: What's available, and what's important to you? Just make sure it's specifically designed for your phone of choice. If no games and applications are on the phone, can you get them?

Included Functions and Features - For some users, this category forms the basis of a purchase decision, ranking even higher than a service plan in terms of priority, and for good reason.

Standard features:                                                                                                           

-          Phone Book
-          Vibrating Alert/Changeable Ringtones
-          Hands free/car kit accessories

Optional features on some phones:                    

-          MP3 Player
-          PDA features like organizer, message typing or stylus writing
-          Standard modem functionality
-          Data storage on removable media card
-          PC Synchronization
-          Web browsing, Email

Price – Of course price matters. Cell phones are typically priced between $30 to $300 for a regular cell phone, and $300 to $900 for a combination PDA/cell or Smartphone device. You can usually obtain a cell phone for free by signing a one or two year service contract at the carrier stores for T-Mobile, Cingular, Verizon etc, or better yet, online at Amazon.com.

Where to Buy
 

Note: The #1 reason to buy on Ebay is the chance to acquire an unlocked phone for use on any carrier network supported by the phone. However, Ebay hacks do occur on both the purchasing and selling side. I know of one incident involving a colleague who purchased a cutting edge cell phone available just in Europe at the time, only to find out the deal was a scam. The actual account holder had no knowledge that someone used his seller’s information and stole his ID to sell about $5,000 in cell phones that did not exist. Always use Paypal or other protected service rather than Moneygrams or Western Union.

Cell Phone Pricing and Feature Chart	Samsung E335	Motorola RZR V3(Cingular)	Audiovox SMT5600 Smartphone
Modes	GSM 850 1800 1900 MHz	GSM  800 900 1800 1900 MHz	GSM 850 1800 1900 MHz
Talktime	4.4 hours	6.67 hours	4.5 hours
Additional features	GPRS Speakerphone Instant Messaging 4x zoom camera	Aluminum case Bluetooth Email Integrated Camera PC Connectivity/Syncing Phone Book MPEG4 player 4x zoom camera	GPRS Email MP3/MPEG4 Player PC Connectivity Phone Book 4x zoom camera Microsoft Windows Smartphone OS
Base Price	$179.99 T-mobile	$199.00 Cingular	$249.99 Cingular
Carrier Price w/Contract	$99.99	$199.00	$199.99
Amazon w/Contract	-$100	-$0.00	$99.99

Carriers and Coverage Maps

These coverage maps serve to illustrate the relatively slim disparity in carrier coverage. More detailed maps are available at http://www.cellphone.homestead.com/carriermaps.html . However, the best measure of coverage is to talk to friends, family, and associates about gaps in service.

Carrier Network Technology

 

Large cities and metropolitan statistical areas, or MSAs, typically support several cell phone carriers, but deciding which provider to use can prove difficult. Promotions and plans should play an important role. Certain carriers like Cingular and Verizon offer much better national coverage plans for when business or pleasure requires extensive travel. If regional coverage will suffice, then choose a carrier which groups states into sections, like T-mobile, who bills all calls in a certain area as local or perhaps as free long distance. Many carriers bundle attractive packages with their plans like free roaming within the coverage area and free nights and weekends, others excel at providing the lowest cost for the most anytime/whenever minutes or free internet usage through their WAP enabled phones. Note: In the first quarter of 2004, Cingular made a successful bid to purchase AT&T Wireless, thus creating the largest single cellular carrier in the U.S.

Keep Your Cell Phone Number Forever

In 2003, the FCC mandated that the cellular industry implement a system that allows customers to keep their cell phone number even when they switch phones or carriers. As a result, a new feature called Line Number Portability, or LPN, stems from an FCC mandate that cellular carriers provide and maintain the equipment necessary for cellular customers to switch carriers while retaining the same number. The effects of this change are as follows:

-          Cellular bills increase from $.40 to $2.00 in order to accommodate the necessary hardware
-          Customers can now switch carriers yet retain their phone number provided they are not contractually obligated for
           a specified term
-          If under contract you may have to pay Early Termination Fees of around $100 - $300

Conclusion

With the advent of 3^rd generation wireless, the incorporation of PDA features into many modern phones, and exciting new ways to access data and the internet, cell phones become increasing popular and often necessary tools. A wealth of phone features and plan options assures a perfect cell phone match for every lifestyle. With a little research and effort a decent cell phone value awaits every user.

Recommendations

q     Upgrade your phones regularly to take advantage of technology and feature benefits

q     Talk to your carrier’s customer service department about potential rebates or discounts for loyalty

q     Discuss coverage with current customers of your prospective carrier

q     Always utilize available coupons and rebate offers

q     Buy on the Internet, or at least use it as a basis for comparison shopping on the phone or in stores

Links
Customize your Nokia phone – http://www.ringtonerfest.com
Unbeatable cell phone accessory bargains – http://www.cellphoneshop.net
Check cell coverage in your area – http://www.cellphone.homestead.com/carriermaps.html

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